Located in Manito (Man-e-toe) Illinois, Lost Creek Pottery sets at the very edge of the downtown district, in a old train depot that has been converted into a small shop and retail space.

The last time a passenger train stopped at our little depot was in the early 50's. Since the early 70’s, the building has been used for storage, and the gravel lot for parking the local police department's squad cars.

In January 2005 the city of Manito decided to sell the little depot and another Municipal building with sealed bids. It was our honor to have gotten the winning bid. 

We purchased the property in March 2005, and opened the doors for business on June 10, 2005.

With help from family and friends we were able to completely remodel the abandoned building from the block out.

We are asked all the time about how the pots react to the trains that pass by, truthfully more of a vibration from our air conditioner than the trains when they pass by, the Bible says to build on a firm foundation, and this little building has one. 

 2 Years ago…… 

Today……

In the fall of 2005 the kiln shed and the high-fire reduction Kiln were added to the property.  This 70 cubic foot cart kiln was built with the help of several friends and family members.  This addition greatly added to the production of the pottery as well as increasing the palette of available colors.

As spring arrived in 2006 plans were finalized to increase to size of the little depot.  Although it had served to establish the operation it was just too small for classes and full time production.

Keeping the original building basically intact was a major hurtle but it was a goal that would be kept.  Several options were explored until reaching a design that would reflect the original flavor of the building as it was in the early 1900's yet provide the working space needed.  

The final design kept the little brick building intact while surrounding it with a modern structure that "looked like a depot".  Many first time visitors commit that the building looks like it belongs in it's place.  Many do not realize that it is not the original building until they are standing in the studio and look up to see the rusty "MANITO" sign on what once was the back wall of the building.

Lost Creek Pottery is proud to be a part of this wonderful community and to play a small part in the revitalization of the business district.  We are even more proud to have been entrusted with and to be able to save this piece of history.